Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attends India International Science Festival 2021 in Panaji, Goa

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today attended the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2021 in Panaji, Goa. IISF is an annual event considered to be the biggest platform in the country which brings together students, the public, researchers, innovators and artists from around the globe. IISF 2021 is being organised jointly by the MoES, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati.

At the inaugural function, tributes were paid to recently deceased Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat by observing silent prayer. The Union Minister visited various stalls at the IISF, and interacted with students on the occasion. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, Shri Shripad Naik and various dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal highlighted the rapid growth of science and technology under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi. He said, PM’s call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat has connected every citizen of the country. The huge success of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in India is a reflection of the success of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a victory of science, scientists and human values, the Minister said.

The Minister lauded the role of Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh in promoting science and technology in India, especially among the student community. He also lauded the role of Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant in bringing fast growth to Goa. Speaking on the growing popularity of Ayush globally, the Union Minister said that scientists are doing new studies to validate India’s age-old traditional systems of medicine. Today, Ayush has captured a global market worth of more than 18 billion dollars.

The Minister added that the government is taking various steps to explore the resources in the seas. Along with scientific growth, we also have to pledge to make a pollution-free India, he said.

Union Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the River Cruise Services at the Marmugao Port in Goa today. He announced that Services will immediately begin on all the proposed routes with its FRP double deck boats to give the tourists a complete experience of Goan culture and history. This will be a common user’s facility and any entrepreneur can venture into and start a new and similar type of Service from this berthing facility, available in the Port. This opportunity in Goa is to explore new ventures in river and island cruising which is not tapped so far and it will be a unique opportunity to experience such an unexplored venture in Goa.

The Minister also visited the Port’s operational areas including the Cruise Terminal Berth where International & Domestic Cruise Terminal is proposed to be set up and PPP Terminals operated by the South West Port Ltd (SWPL) and Adani Mormugao Port Trust Pvt. Ltd. (AMPTPL) to inspect the operations.

The Minister also held a meeting with the stake holders and local functionaries which provided an opportunity for them to directly engage with the Minister and share their perspectives on India’s growing maritime sector, improve the coastal traffic in an effective way and how maritime policies can contribute to its overall growth. The Minister also held a discussion with Unions and Associations operating in the Port for hearing their issues and suggestions for the growth of MPT.

Port being a service industry is providing facilities for both Exim and Domestic sector. Mormugao Port being unique port has multimodal connectivity, excellent cargo handling facilities high productivity streamlined administration and a dedicated workforce all go towards making this Port as one of the most efficient on the Indian Subcontinent.

During his one-day schedule in Goa the Minister will deliberate with various stake holders to augment MPT’s potential in order to cater to the needs of Trade and Industry and to contribute to the economic development of the Nation. If all means of connectivity be it waterways, airways or railways are brought together and they play their role unitedly for the purpose of trade, or even providing the facilities to people within proper time then the state’s economy will definitely be strengthened.

Under Sagarmala scheme of the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways the following works are underway in state of Goa.

(i) Construction of 9 Nos. Concrete Jetties at Durbhat, Cortalim-Rassaim, Old Goa-Divar, Sanvordem, Ribander, Aldona Banastarim, Pilgao, Shiroda at cost Rs.73.04 Cr.

(ii) Construction of 4 Nos. Floating Jetties (Captain of Ports jetty, Old Goa jetty, Ferry Point jetty, Chapora Jetty) at cost of Rs.9.6 Cr.

The emphasis of Sagarmala funding is to mainly focus on improving waterways connectivity to hinterlands and last mile connectivity to arterial roads so that passengers and cargo can move through waterways on a large extent and reduce load on roadways and thereby reduce pollution. Sagarmala funding also intends to develop State of Art Ropeway in Goa for which feasibility study in under progress.

Mormugao Port, the 32 years old port, is expanding gradually over the years, meeting the demands of the growing trade for its service to the Nation.